About the book
In this landmark work, Thomas Tweed examines nineteenth-century America’s encounter with one of the world’s major religions. Exploring the debates about Buddhism that followed upon its introduction in this country, Tweed shows what happened when the transplanted religious movement came into contact with America’s established culture and fundamentally different Protestant tradition.
The book, first published in 1992, traces the efforts of various American interpreters to make sense of Buddhism in Western terms. Tweed demonstrates that while many of those interested in Buddhism considered themselves dissenters from American culture, they did not abandon some of the basic values they shared with their fellow Victorians. In the end, the Victorian understanding of Buddhism, even for its most enthusiastic proponents, was significantly shaped by the prevailing culture. Although Buddhism attracted much attention, it ultimately failed to build enduring institutions or gain significant numbers of adherents in the nineteenth century. Not until the following century did a cultural environment more conducive to Buddhism’s taking root in America develop.
In a new preface, Tweed addresses Buddhism’s growing influence in contemporary American culture.
Editions of The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807849064
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807876152
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890873910
Read an Excerpt
In this landmark work, Thomas Tweed examines nineteenth-century America’s encounter with one of the world’s major religions. Exploring the debates about Buddhism that followed upon its introduction in this country, Tweed shows what happened when the transplanted religious movement came into contact with America’s established culture and fundamentally different Protestant tradition.
The book, first published in 1992, traces the efforts of various American interpreters to make sense of Buddhism in Western terms. Tweed demonstrates that while many of those interested in Buddhism considered themselves dissenters from American culture, they did not abandon some of the basic values they shared with their fellow Victorians. In the end, the Victorian understanding of Buddhism, even for its most enthusiastic proponents, was significantly shaped by the prevailing culture. Although Buddhism attracted much attention, it ultimately failed to build enduring institutions or gain significant numbers of adherents in the nineteenth century. Not until the following century did a cultural environment more conducive to Buddhism’s taking root in America develop.
In a new preface, Tweed addresses Buddhism’s growing influence in contemporary American culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912 about?
In this landmark work, Thomas Tweed examines nineteenth-century America’s encounter with one of the world’s major religions. Exploring the debates about Buddhism that followed upon its introduction in this country, Tweed shows what happened when the transplanted religious movement came into contact with America’s established culture and fundamentally different Protestant tradition.
The book, first published in 1992, traces the efforts of various American interpreters to make sense of Buddhism in Western terms. Tweed demonstrates that while many of those interested in Buddhism considered themselves dissenters from American culture, they did not abandon some of the basic values they shared with their fellow Victorians. In the end, the Victorian understanding of Buddhism, even for its most enthusiastic proponents, was significantly shaped by the prevailing culture. Although Buddhism attracted much attention, it ultimately failed to build enduring institutions or gain significant numbers of adherents in the nineteenth century. Not until the following century did a cultural environment more conducive to Buddhism’s taking root in America develop.
In a new preface, Tweed addresses Buddhism’s growing influence in contemporary American culture.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Buddhism
Where can I read a sample of The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807849064
How long is The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912 and how many pages does it have?
The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912 has 280 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912?
Thomas A. Tweed
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912 is available as paperback(ISBN 9780807849064) and ebook(ISBN 9780807876152) and pdf(ISBN 9798890873910)
Where can I buy The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912 online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The American Encounter with Buddhism, 1844-1912?